Emory honored for sustainability initiatives

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Emory recently received two awards from prominent Atlanta organizations recognizing the university's leadership in sustainability.

On Sept. 24, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce announced its E3 awards, presenting Emory and Reeves Young with first prize in the “Liquid Assets” category for the Water Hub. On Sept. 29, the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper honored Emory with the River Sustainability Award for leadership in sustainability in multiple areas.

The Metro Atlanta Chamber E3 Awards honor companies, organizations or individuals who make strides to preserve Atlanta’s natural resources, stimulate the local economy and environment, and implement sustainable technologies to better the city.

The Metro Chamber recognized Emory and its contractor Reeves Young for building a first-of-its-kind water processing facility that is capable of recycling up to 400,000 gallons of water per day. It is projected that this technology will provide for 40 percent of Emory’s water needs — used for heating and cooling buildings and potentially toilet flushing. By recycling water, Emory has not only reduced its environmental impact but anticipates savings on water costs as well.

The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper award, announced at the group's annual Patron Dinner, seeks to recognize individuals, businesses and institutions that have made a significant contribution to its mission of advocating for and protecting the Chattahoochee River, lakes, tributaries and watershed.

Emory was awarded the River Sustainability Award for its success in reducing energy and water demands. Examples of such actions include meeting the university's goal of reducing energy use by 25 percent per square foot since 2005 and being the largest participant in Atlanta’s “Better Buildings Challenge,” with over 6.5 million square feet committed to reducing energy and water use 20 percent by 2020 from a 2009 baseline.

“The Metro Chamber and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper are two of the most highly respected organizations in metro Atlanta, and it is an honor for Emory to have its efforts recognized by these esteemed members of our local community,” says Ciannat Howett, director of sustainability initiatives at Emory.